Ball game apparatus



April 3% W35. R. J. STUTZENBURG BALL GAME APPARATUS Filed Aug. 29, 1953 A? A w a M 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Indemn- RobertJJZzcfeubzqg Aprrifl 3413, 11935.,

R. J. STUTZENBURG BALL GAME APPARATUS Filed Aug. 29, 1953 6 Sheets-Sheet Aprrifl 3m, 1935 R. J; STUTZENBURG BALL GAME APPARATUS 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 29, 1935 A E 3(0), W35.

R. J. STUTZENBURG 9 ,43

BALL GAME APPARATUS Filed Aug. 29, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 inmate-nou- PmcHmr-mnowanu BY HAND MusmmzA amen MAN is our TO PLAY A-B-C'D THROW BALL BY HAND A- Pmv-Bumgsnrzom rms'r, MEN ADVANCE B- Puw- Bum, our q mewemo we:

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BALL GAME APPARATUS Filed Aug. 29, 1933 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 J4 figio.

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Patented Apr. 30, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 16 Claims.

My invention relates to ball game apparatus, in the use of which balls may be thrown to a target forming part thereof, and a record made in simulation of the score which is kept for baseball and similar games.

The apparatus of my invention is particularly adaptable for use at carnivals, amusement parks, and similar places.

The principal object of my invention is to provide amusement apparatus, in the use of which balls may be thrown or projected to a suitable target forming part thereof, the device having means for indicating the place where each call is thrown, to the end that the desired tally may be kept.

A further object of my invention is to provide, in such apparatus, means for indicating misthrown balls. A

A further object of my invention is to provide, in such apparatus, means for introducing variety into the use thereof, comprising an auxiliary target by means of which plays int-he nature of hunted balls may be simulated.

A further object of my invention is to provide improved means for automatically returning the balls to the playing station after the indication of the play has been made.

A further object of my invention is to provide, in such apparatus, means for indicating and controlling the time period of the play, whereby the apparatus will require a minimum of attention on the part of the attendant.

A further object of my invention is to provide an improved tallying, device whereby the results of the various throws may be tallied in the form of a baseball score, simulating the various plays of that game.

With the foregoing objects in view, my invention contemplates the provision of a suitable framework, having a ball receiving target at one end thereof and a playing station at the other end, means being provided in connection with the target for indicating the particular pocket into which each ball is thrown.

My invention further contemplates the provision of a suitable trough for returning the balls to the playing station after the have been thrown.

My invention further contemplates the provision of a substantially horizontal apron extending from the playing station to the target, having a plurality of apertures therein into which misthrown balls may pass to the trough for returning the same to the playing station, and

means associated therewith for indicating the passage of the balls through said apertures;

My invention further contemplates the provision in the apron of an auxiliary target, relatively close to the playing station, comprising a series of apertures in the apron, and meansassociated therewith for indicating the passage of balls therethrough whereby the simulation of a bunted ball play may be obtained.

My invention further contemplates the provision, in connection with the playing. station, of means for registering the. various plays on a tallying device, and for keeping an accurate score of the game in simulation of the score kept in the well known game of baseball.

My invention further contemplates the provision, in connection with the playing station, of clock controlled means for automatically terminating the play, after a predetermined period,

by stopping the delivery of balls, whereby the attendant may set the clocking mechanism so that, after a certain time period has elapsed, delivery of the balls to the player will be stopped.

My invention further contemplates the provision, in connection with the clock controlled means, of an audible signal adapted to notify the attendant of the termination of the'time period.

The nature and characteristic features of my invention will be more readily understood from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming part hereof, in which:

Figure l is a side elevation of ball game apparatus embodying the main features of my present invention, the netting, which is commonly employed on the framework of apparatus of this general character, for preventing wildly thrown balls from passing outside of said framework, being removed;

Fig. 2 is a top or plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal section taken immediately below the apron, and illustrating the arrangement of the receivers and troughs for returning the played balls to the playing station, the tally- Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentaryelevational view of a portion of the target, the view being taken in the direction of the arrow 6 shown in Fig.

Fig. '7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of a portion of the target, illustrating the construction and arrangement of the target pockets, with the circuit closing devices employed in connection therewith to cause the proper indicator lamp to remain lighted for a certain time intervahaccording to which of the pockets the ball is thrown into; a

Fig. 8 is a front elevation of the tallying device, the time period controlling device also being shown in connection therewith;

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view illustrating the internal arrangement of the tallying device, the section being taken approximately on the line 9-9 of Fig. 8; I

Fig. 10 is a horizontal section of the tallying and time period controlling devices, the section being taken approximately on the line Ill-i0 of Fig. 9;

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary detail of the arrangement of the scoring wheels of the tallying device;

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary detail view, enlarged, of a portion of the time period controlling device, the view being taken from the rear;

Fig. 13 is a side elevation showing the arrangement of switches forming part of the time period controlling device;

Fig. 14 is a detail view,'partly in section, illustrating a portion of the means for controlling the delivery of the balls at the playing station;

Fig. 15 is a detail view, in plan, illustrating another portion of the means for controlling the delivery of the balls at the playing station; and

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the wiring for controlling and actuating the various parts.

It will of course be understood that the description and drawings herein contained are illustrative merely, and that various changes and modifications may be made in the structure disclosed without departing from the spirit of my invention.

In the drawings, 20 is the framework which serves to support certain portions of the app aratus, as will later appear. The framework 23 may also be used for supporting a suitable network (not shown) which surrounds the apparatus at the sides and top, to prevent wildly thrown balls from passing beyond the bounds of the apparatus.

At the rear of the framework 23 a target 2| is mounted. The target 2! is preferably made of textile material such as canvas, the parts of which are suitably cut, shaped, and sewn together to provide a plurality of pockets 22. The floor member 23 of each of the pockets 22 is provided at its rear with an aperture 24, through which the ball which is thrown into the pocket may pass. The roof member of each of the pockets 22 is inclined with respect to the floor member 23, and extends downwardly at the rear, where it is joined to said floor. member at the rear of the aperture 24 therein.

The entire target structure 2| is inclined to the vertical, so that the roof member 25 of each pocket 22 has a pronounced inclination, which serves to direct the balls downwardly and to the rear whenever the same impact against said roof member 25 with any real force. I

The target structure 2| being made of canvas or the like, and the parts being'shaped as afore- 7 said, the flight of the ball'will be arrested before the ball passes through the aperture 24' to the means for indicating the particular pocket into which the same is thrown.

Secured to the floor member 23 of each pocket 22 is a trough 26, also preferably made of canvas,

which catches the balls after they pass through the aperture 24 in said floor member 23, and directs the same to another trough 21, which is arranged at a slighter degree of inclination. The troughs?! are preferably made of wood or other stiff material, and each of said troughs has mounted therein a pivoted counterbalanced tongue 28, which is adapted to be depressed by the passage of a ball through said trough 21.

A wire 29 extends transversely across the trough 21, so that when the tongue 28 is depressed, as aforesaid, by a ball rolling over the same, a contact will be made between the tongue 23 and the wire 29, for a purpose to be hereinafter explained.

Arranged below the series of troughs 21 which are provided, as aforesaid, one for each pocket 22, is a receiver box 30 (see Figs. 1 and 3), the bottom of which is inclined to direct the balls which fall therein to an outlet opening 3|. An inclined trough 32 extends from a point below the outlet opening 3| in the receiver box 30 to the front end of the apparatus, where the playing station is located.

The target 2| is supported from the framework by means of canvas wings 31, which are made flaring with respect to the target proper, so as to deflect any balls which may impact against the same,.and to afford a certain flexibility to the entire target structure, whereby the force of the balls will be more readily absorbed.

Extending from the target 2! to the playing station is a substantially horizontal canvas apron 33, which is divided into sections. Each of the sections has a depressed central portion which serves to guide the balls which fall thereon to openings 34, beneath which are located troughs 35, containing contacting devices similar in character to those shown in connection with the troughs 2! in the target pockets 22.

The sections of the apron 33 immediately in front of the target 2| are smaller than the other sections of said apron, so that the balls landing thereon will arrive more quickly at the points where the contact making devices are located. The openings 34 in the apron 33 immediately in front of the target 2| are disposed over branch extensions 36 of the return trough 32, whereas the openings 34 in the other sections of the apron may be disposed centrally, immediately over said return trough 32.

In one of the sections of' the apron 33 adjacent the playing station, there is provided an auxiliary target comprising a plurality of openings 38 in said apron, so that the player may attempt to roll the balls into one of said openings 38 in a manner simulating the hunting of balls in a real game of baseball. Each of said openings 38 is provided with a trough and a contact making device similar to those provided in connection with the pockets of the target 2|, and with the other openings in the apron 33, so that when a ball passes through one of said openings 38 the same will be indicated in a manner to be presently explained. A branch 39 of the return trough 32 extends to a point beneath said openings 38, having an enlargedportion '30 at its terminus to catch the balls and return them to the main trough 32, and thence to the playing station.

Immediately below the target 2| there is provided an indicator 4|, including a series of encased lamps 42, one for each type of play to be indicated, and having suitable legends associated therewith, so that when a particular lamp is lighted the playmay be manually recorded on the tallying device, as will be hereinafter described.

The playing station comprises a barrier 43 extending across in front of the apparatus, having a table top 44, and a closed skirt 45 extending therefrom to the ground line. If desired, the table top may be used for the mounting thereon of a mechanical ballprojecting device (not shown), or this may be dispensed with and the balls thrown by hand. The trough 32 for returning the balls to. the playing station extends through the front skirt portion 45 of the barrier a sufficient distance to expose one or two of the balls and render them accessible to the players.

t the right hand end of the barrier 43 of the playing station there is mounted a suitable cabinet 45 in which the tallyingdevice and the clocking mechanism are located.

The tallying device is" shown in Figs. 8, 9, 10 and 11 of the drawings. The cabinet 46 in which the same is mounted has a vertical indicating panel 4?, anda horizontal control panel 48. The means for indicating the total number of runs comprises two sets of numbered wheels 49, each set being mounted on a vertical shaft 5|]. The vertical panel 41 of the cabinet has a series of window openings 5|, through which one number on each wheel may be viewed when the wheel is turned to the proper indicating position.

Each of the numbered wheels 49 is provided with'a pulley 52, fixedly secured thereto and operated by a belt 53. Each belt 53 extends to a grooved pulley 54 at the top'of a vertical shaft 55. Each of the vertical shafts 55 has a grooved pulley 56 at the bottom thereof, over which a belt 5'! passes (see Fig. 9).

Each belt 57 extends to a grooved pulley 58 mounted on the lower end of a shaft 59, which extends through the horizontal panel 48 and has a hand knob 6|! at the upper end thereof, arranged above the top of the horizontal panel 48 of the cabinet, the arrangement being such that when any of the individual knobs 60 is operated, the corresponding number wheel 49 will be brought to the proper indicating position.

The same arrangement is provided for tallying the number of cuts, the number of balls, and the number of strikes. The numbered wheels 6| for-such indications are mounted on a vertical shaft 62, and are operated by the hand knobs 63, disposed at the front end of the horizontal panel 48, an arrangement of pulleys, belts and shafts being provided similar to those which are provided in connection with the wheels 49.

For indicating the positions of the runners on the several bases, there are provided four lamps 56, which are lighted and extinguished by means of manually operated switches 61. The lamps 66 may be mounted in the rear of the vertical panel 41 which is provided with suitable openings through which said lamps may be seen.

The clocking mechanism for controlling the time period is shown in Figs. 8, 9, and 12 of the drawings, the same comprising an electrically driven clock 68 of any preferred type, the dial 69 of which is visible through a suitable opening in the vertical panel 41 of the cabinet 46. Such clocks are usually provided with a setting spindle l0 extending through the rearwall of the clock casing, and upon this spindle 19 there is mounted a toothed wheel 1|.

Another toothed wheel 12, normally out of engagement with the toothed wheel 1|, is mounted upon a longitudinally shiftable horizontal shaft 13. The toothed wheel 12 is normally held out of engagement with the toothed wheel 1| by means of a spring 14.

The other end of the horizontal shaft 13 is positioned adjacent an opening 15 in the side panel of the cabinet 46. This end of the horizontal shaft 13 is suitably shaped so as to be engaged by a key 16 inserted through the aperture 15, the key 165 being of such length that after it engages the end of the horizontal shaft l3,'said shaft may be pressed inwardly to cause the toothed wheel 12 on the inner end thereof to engage the resetting wheel ll of the clock.

The clock is preferably provided with but a single hand H, which is adapted when it approaches the zero position to engage a contact arm 18 to close an alarm circuit, and when it .reaches the zero position to engage another contact arm 19 to open a circuit for controlling the delivery of the balls from the return trough 32.

The means for controlling the delivery of the balls, when it is desired to stop the same after a predetermined time period has elapsed, is shown in Figs. 14 and 15 of the drawings. As there shown, there is provided above the return trough 32, and preferably behind the skirt portion 45 of the barrier 43 at the playing station, a solenoid coil 80.

The core 8| of the solenoid coil carries at its lower end a stop member 82, which is adapted, when the solenoid core 8| is free, to rest upon the top edges of a shallow portion of the return trough 32, and when so positioned, to prevent the passage of the balls 83 through said'trough. The upper end of the solenoid core BI is pointed as at 84, and below this pointed portion 84' there is provided an annular recess 85, which is adapted,

when the solenoid core 8| is raised to its upper- 1 most position, to be engaged by a lever 86, which is pivoted as at 81. The lever 86 is normally impelled to its engaging position by means of a spring 88.

The lever 85 also carries an armature 89, which is positioned adjacent the end of an electromagnet 9|), the arrangement being such that when the magnet 99 is energized the lever 86 will be pulled to a position to disengage the end of said lever from the recess 85 at the top end of r the solenoid core 8|.

The pointed end 84 of the solenoid core BI is also adapted, when it reaches its uppermost position, to engage a spring arm 9|, which carries a contact member 92. When the solenoid core 8! is in its lowermost position, the contact member 92 engages another contact member 93, which is connected to the solenoid coil 80 by wire 94. The arrangement is such that when current is supplied to the solenoid coil, if the core 8| thereof is in its lowermost position to effect the stopping of the balls, the coil 89, being energized, will pull the core Bl upwardly until the recess 85 thereof is engaged by the end of the lever 86, which will then hold it in the raised position. Simultaneously the end of the core 8| will engage the spring 9 breaking the contact between members 92 and 93, which will prevent the further supply of current to the coil 80; but, as before stated, when this occurs, the solenoid core 8| will be held in its uppermost position by the engagement of the lever 86 in the recess 85 thereof. When, however, the magnet 90, is energized, the armature 89 carried by the lever 86 will be attracted to cause the end of said lever to bepermit the core 9| to drop.

In Fig. 16 of the drawings there is shown an arrangement of thecircuits employed, and the parts controlling the same and controlled thereby. As there shown, Hi9 and NH are the main power lines, controlled by a master switch I92, which is preferably mounted, as shown in Fig. 12 of the drawings, inside the housing of the tallying cabinet 45, and adapted to be manually actuated by the key, 16 which is also used for resetting the clock mechanism. The side panel of the cabinet 15 is provided with a suitable aperture N33 for the insertion of the key I6 when it is desired to turn the switch off or on.

A line Hi l, with suitable branches, extends from the power line 39 to the stationary contact members 29 in the troughs 21 provided in connection with the pockets 22 in the target 2I. A series of lines I65 extends from the respective movable members 28 of said troughs 21 to the respective lamps 52 provided in the indicator 4| arranged below the target 2i. Return lines I06, with suitable branches, extend fromsaid lamps A2 to the power line IEEI.

A line id's, with suitable branches, extends from the power line I99 to the movable members I98 of the contact devices which are provided in the troughs 35 belowthe main return openings 34 in the apron 33. The stationary members I99 of the contact devices in said troughs 35 are connected byglines I II) to the lines I95 which extend to the respective lamps 42 in the indicator ll.

Likewise a line I I I, with suitable branches, extends from the main power line 09 to the movable members IIZ of the contact making devices provided in the troughs 35 below the openings 38 for indicating the bunted ball plays. The stationary members H3 of said contact making devices are connected by lines I I4 to'the respective lamps 52 for indicating such plays.

A line H5, with suitable branches, extends from the main power line I99 to the manually operated switches 91 which control the lamps 6B for indicating the base positions resulting from the individual plays. Lines II6 extend from the switches 6? to the respective lamps B6 controlled thereby, and a common return line I II, with suitable branches, extends from said lamps 66 to the main power line IIlI.

A- line I58 extends from the main power line I99 to the clock 68, the current returning from the clock by line i I9, which extends to the movable arm I9 of .the switch which is adapted to be actuated to the open position by the hand I? of the clock 63 when said hand returns to the zero position. The stationary member I29 of the switch is connected by line I2I to power line I9 I.

A shunt line E22 extends from line H8, which as before stated is connected with the main power line idfi, to the spring arm 9 I, the current passing through the same to contact member 92. As hereinbefore stated, the member 93, with which the member 92 is adapted to contact, is connected by line 94 to one end of the solenoid coil 89. The other end of the solenoid coil 89 is connected by line I28 to the movable arm I9 of the switch which is controlled by the clock hand I1. 7

By this arrangement, whenever the switch arm I9 is opened by the return of the clock hand I? to the zero position, not only will the clock 68 be stopped by the opening of thecircuit in which itis included, but the coil of the solenoid will come-disengagedfrom the recess 85, and thereby also be de-energized to permit the stop member 82 of the ball controlling device to fall to the position to stop, the delivery of balls to the trough 32.

Another shunt line I24 extends from the line I22 to an alarm bell I25,which is also connected by line I26 to a contact member I2I, which is so positioned as to be engaged by the switch member I8 when the same is actuated by the clock hand H as the same approaches the zero position.

Another shunt line' I28 extends from line I24 to one end of the electromagnet coil 90, the other end of which is connected by line I29 to line I26, so that the electromagnet coil790'will be energized upon the closing of the circuit in which the alarm bell I25 is included.

The operation of the device may now be explained. The players having assembled at the playing station, and having divided themselves into two equal groups each representinga baseball team, the attendant puts the apparatus, into operation by pushing the key I6 through the aperture I93, causing the same. to engage the end of the shaft of the, main switch I02 which controls the supplyof current through the main power lines.

The operator then pushes the key I6 through the aperture I5, causing the same to engage the end of the shaft 53. The key I6 is pushed inwardly to shift the shaft I3 longitudinally against the tension of the spring I4, until the toothed wheel 52 engages the toothed wheel II of the clock 68. The key I6 is then turned to cause the clock hand TI to be turned contra-clockwise, until the same is brought to a position corresponding to the time period for which payment is made by the players.

When the clock hand IT is thus moved away from the zero position, the contact arm I9 engages the stationary contact member I20, whereby current is supplied to.the clock 68 from powor line I99, through line I I8, passing through the clock 68, thence passing by line II9 through the switch arm I9 and returning to power line IIII by line I2I. i

Simultaneouslythe current will pass by shunt line I22 to spring 9|, through contact members 92 and 93, thence through wire 94 to the solenoid coil 89, passing through and energizing the same,

and thence passing to the switch arm I9 by line I23. When the solenoid coil 80 is thus energized, the stop member 82 will be lifted, permitting the balls 83 to roll through the trough 32 to the delivery point.

When the solenoid coil 80 is thus energized, its core BI will be raised to the uppermost position, until the end 84 thereof engages the spring arm 9I, breaking the contact between the members 92 and 93, and thus opening the circuit through the solenoid coil 89 while the play progresses. However, when this occurs, the end of the lever 86 will engage the recess 85in the projecting upper end of the core ill, by reason of the tension of the spring 83, and the stop member 82 will thus be held in the elevated position, notwithstanding the de-energization' of the coil 80.

The players then cause the balls to be projected toward the target 2I,.either by means of a mechanical ball throwing device (not shown) or by hand. a a 7 Assuming that the ball reached the target structure 2I, the same will pass into one of the pockets 22 thereof. It the ball be projected with any great degree of force, the impact will be expanded against the roof member 25 of the pocket, but in any event, the ball will pass through the aperture 24 at the rear of the pocket, thence falling into the trough 26, by means' of which it is guided into the trough 21 in which the contact device is mounted.

When the ball passes into the trough 21 in which the contact device is mounted, the contact arm 28 will be depressed by the weight of the ball, and will establish a contact with the wire 29 which is located in the bottom of the trough 21, thereby establishing a circuit to cause the proper lamp 42 at the indicator M to be lighted.

The trough 21 is arranged at a slight angle of inclination, so that the passage of the ball therethrough will be delayed to cause the lamp 42 to remain lighted a sufficient length of time to insure a full opportunity to observe the indication. After the ball passes through the trough '21, the same falls into the receiver box 30 at the bottom and to the rear of the target 2 i, and thence passes to the return trough 32, which has a suflicient inclination to cause the ball to return to the playing station. r 1

If the ball should fail to reach one of the pockets 22 of the target, it will fall upon the apron '33 and pass through one of the apertures 34 in said apron to the trough 35 which is located below the same. As each of these troughs 35 hascontact members H38 and IE9, similar to the contact members in the trough 21, a circuit.

will be established and the corresponding lamp d2 lighted at the indicator M.

Whenever the ball passes through one of the apertures 34 in the apron 33,'the same, after passing through the trough 35 in which the in dicator switch 'is located, will fall into the return trough 32 or into one of the branches there- Likewise, if the auxiliary target he used to simulate bunted ball plays, whenever the ball passes into one or the other of the apertures 38 in said target, the same will pass into one ofthe troughs '35 positioned below the same, and here again a contactwill be established by the: contact members H2 and H3, and a circuit closed to cause the proper lamp 422 at the indicator H to be lighted.

Whenever the ball passes through'one of the openings 38 of the auxiliary target, the same will fall intothe proper trough 35 containing the contact device, will then pass into the receiver box 40, and thence by branch trough .39 to trough 32.

If the lamp 42 which is lighted on the indicator 4| indicates an out, a ball, or a ""strike, the same is registered by the manipulation of one of the hand'knobs 63,said knob beihgturn'ed to rotate the numbered wheel 6| on the shaft 62.

If the lamp 42 on the indicator 41 indicates a base hit, whether single, double, or triple, one or more of the manually operated switches 61 is actuated to light or extinguish, as may, be required, the proper lamp or lamps 66 at the upper right hand portion of the cabinet-46, for the purpose of recording the base scoring.

Whenever a home run is indicated by th proper lamp &2 on the indicator 'll or whenever a run results by the addition of base plays, the same is scored on the proper innings wheel 49 by the manipulation of the proper hand knob- 60, the motion of said hand knob being transmitted by means of its vertical shaft 59 and pulley 58, through the belt 51 to one of the vertical shafts 55 at the rear of the cabinet 46, thence being transmitted by the pulley'fid at the top of said shaft '55, by the belt 53, to the proper numbered wheel 49.

' The scoring is kept as in the real game of baseball, the tallying device being operated in accordance with the indications of the lamps 42 which are brought about by the projected balls, whether the same be thrown into one of the pockets 22 of the target 2|, or fall upon the apron 33, or are rohed into one of the apertures 38 of the auxiliary target.

As the playing continues, the time clock 58 will be operating, and when the hand 1'! of the clock reaches a point in its movement just prior to the zero position, the same will engage the contact arm'78, causing it to bear against the stationary contact member I21, thereby completing the circuit in which the alarm bell I25 is arranged. This will call the attention of the operator to the fact that the period of play which has:

been paid for by the players is about to terminate,

so that he may arrange with the players for a continuance of the play if so desired, in which event the clock 68 will be reset for the proper period.

When the circuit in which the alarm bell I25 is included is closed, simultaneously the current will pass through shunt line 123 to the electromagnet 99, energizing the same, and returning by line 529. When the electromagnet 9%! is thus energized, the armature 89 carried by the lever 86 will be attracted, causing the end of the lever- 86 to be freed of engagement with the recess 85 in the projecting upper end of the solenoid core 8|, releasing the same and permitting the stop member 82 to fall and prevent further delivery of balls through the trough 32.

If the players do not Wish to continue, the at tendant, by operation of the main switch I02, by means of the key I6, may shut oil the current for the entire apparatus.

When the hand ll of the clock 68 reaches the zero position, the same will encounter the switch arm 79, raising the same from the stationary contact member E23 and opening the circuits con.- trolled by said switch 19. This will not only cause the clock 68 to: cease operating, but will also cause the solenoid coil 83 to be de-energized. It will be noted that the arrangement is such that a single attendant may easily look after the operation of a number of the devices, by reason of the alarm provided, and the automatic discontinuance of the supply of balls.

I claim:

1. In a ballgame apparatus, a target at one end, a playing staticn structure at the other end, an apron extending from the target to the playing station structure, an indicator, a trough for returning the balls from the target to the playing station, said trough extending beneath the apron, an auxiliary target device comprising a series of apertures in the apron near the playing station through which balls may pass to the return trough, and contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator.

2. In a ball game apparatus, a target at one end, a playing station structure at the other end, an apron extending from the target to the playing station structure, an indicator, the target comprising a series of pockets adapted to receive balls projected from the playing station, contact making devices for each of said pockets, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator, a trough for returning the balls' from the target to the playing station, said'trough extending beneath the apron, an auxiliary target device comprising. a' series of apertures in the apron near the playing station through which balls may pass to the return trough, and contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator.

3. In a ball game apparatus, a target at one end, a playing station structure at the other end, an apron extending from the target'to the playing station structure, an indicator, a trough for returning the balls from the target to the playing station, said trough extending beneath the apron, the apron having a series of apertures through which balls may pass to the return trough, and contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said con.- tact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator.

4. In a ball game apparatus, a target at one end, a playing station structure at the other end, an apron extending from the target to the playing station structure, an indicator, the target comprising a series of pockets adapted to receive balls projected from the playing station, contact making devices for each of said pockets, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator, a trough for returning the balls from'the target to the playing station, said trough extending beneath the apron, the apron having a series of apertures through which balls may pass to the return trough, and contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator.

5. In a ball game apparatus, a target at one end, a playing station structure at the other end, an apron extending from the target to the playing station structure, an indicator, the target comprising a series of pockets adapted to receive balls projected from the playing station, contact making devices for each of said pockets, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator, a trough for returning the balls from the target to the playing station, said trough extending beneath the apron, the apron having a series of apertures through which balls may pass to the return trough, contact making devices positioned tobe actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator, an auxliary target device comprising a series of apertures in the apron near the playing station through which balls may pass to the return trough, and contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator.

6. In a ball game apparatus, a target at one end, a playing station structure at the other end, an apron extending from the target to the playing station structure, an indicator, the target comprising a series of pockets adapted to receive balls projected from the playing station, contact making devices for each of said pockets, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator, a trough for returning the balls from the target to the playing station, said trough extending beneath the apron, the apron having a series of apertures through which balls may pass to the return trough, contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, saidcontact making'devices being electrically connected with the indicator, an auxiliary target device comprising a' series of apertures in the apron near the playing station through which balls may pass to the return trough, contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator, a clocking device, and electrically actuated means controlled by said clocking device for preventing passage of the balls through the return trough at the end of a predetermined time period.

7. In a ball game apparatus, a target at one end, a playing station structure at the other end, an apron extending from the target to the playing station structure, an indicator, the target comprising a series of pockets adapted to receive balls projected from the playing station, contact making devices for each of said pockets, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator, a trough for returning the balls from the target to the playing station, said trough extending beneath the apron, the apron having a series of apertures through which balls may pass to the return trough, contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said contact making devices being electrically connectedwith the indicator, an auxiliary target device comprising a series of apertures in the apron near the playing station through which balls may pass to the return trough, contact making devices positioned to be actuated by balls passing through said apertures, said contact making devices being electrically connected with the indicator, a clocking device, electrically actuated means controlled by said. clocking device for preventing passage of the balls through the return trough at the end of a predetermined time period, and an electrical alarm device controlled by the clocking device and adapted to be set in actuation thereby.

8. In a ball game apparatus, a target at one end, a playing station structure at the other end, a trough for returning the balls from the target to the playing station, a clocking. device, electrically actuated means controlled by said clocking device for preventing passage of the balls through the return trough at the end of a predetermined time period, and an electrical alarm device controlled by the clocking device and set in actuation thereby prior to the end of said'predetermined time period.

9; In a ball game apparatus, atarget made of textile material and having a plurality of pockets, each of said pockets including a floor member and an impact receiving roof member inclined with respect to said floor member, said members being spaced fromthe roof and floor members of adjoining pockets, the rear portion of said roof member extending downwardly toward said floor member, an aperture formed in said floor member through which balls are adapted to paSS, and contact making devices for actuation by a ball discharged through said aperture.

10. In a ball game apparatus, a target made of textile material and comprising a plurality of pockets, each of said pockets having a floor member and a roof member inclined with respect to said floor member, said members being spaced from the roof and floor members of adjoining pockets, the rear portion of said roof member extending downwardly toward said floor member, an aperture formed in said floor member through which balls are adapted to pass, and contact making devices arranged adjacent said aperture for actuation by a ball discharged through said aperture.

11. In a ball game apparatus, a target made of textile material and comprising a plurality of pockets, each of said pockets having a floor member and an impact receiving roof member inclined with respect to said floor member, said members being spaced from the roof and floor members of adjoining pockets, the rear portion of said roof member being extended downwardly to said floor member, an aperture formed in said floor member through which balls are adapted to pass, a trough of textile material arranged below said aperture, a second trough into which said first trough discharges, and contact making devices arranged in said second trough for actuation by a ball discharged into said second trough, the said second trough being arranged at a slight angle of inclination thereby to delay the passage of a ball therethrough and provide a persisting contact.

12. In ball game apparatus, an inclined target made of textile material and having the face thereof divided horizontally and vertically to provide a plurality of pockets, each of said pockets including a floor member and an impact receiving roof member inclined with respect to said floor member, said members being spaced from the roof and floor members of adjoining pockets, the rear portion of said roof member extending downwardly toward said floor member, and an aperture formed in said floor member through which balls projected into said pocket are adapted to be discharged.

13. In a ball game apparatus, an inclined target made of textile material and having the face thereof divided horizontally and vertically to provide a plurality of pockets, each of said pockets including a floor member and an impact receiving roof member inclined with respect to said floor member, said members being spaced from the roof and floor members of adjoining pockets, the rear portion of said roof member extending downwardly toward said floor member, an aperture formedin said floor member through which balls are adapted to pass, contact making devices for actuation by a ball discharged through said aperture, and flaring wings of textile material supporting said target.

14. In a ball game apparatus, an inclined target made of textile material and having the face thereof divided horizontally and vertically to provide a plurality of pockets, each of said pockets including a floor member and an impact receiving roof member inclined with respect to said floor member, said members being spaced from the roof and floor members of adjoining pockets, the rear portion of said roof member being extended down to said floor member, the said floor and roof members being sewn together, an aperture formed in said floor member through which balls are adapted to pass, contact making devices for actuation by a ball discharged through said aperture, and flaring wings of textile material providing a support for said target and said contact making devices.

15. In a ball game apparatus, a plurality of troughs arranged at various places to receive projected balls, each of said troughs having an elongated contact device extending longitudinally therein and actuated by a ball passing through said trough to operate said contact device during a substantial period of time, and an indicator to which said contact devices are electrically connected thereby to show by the passage of the ball through one of said troughs the place to which said ball was thrown.

16. In a ball game apparatus, a target having a face made up of a plurality of individual pockets each having a discharge outlet, a trough arranged at a slight angle of inclination at the rear end of each of said pockets and into which balls passing through said outlet are directed, the slight angle of inclination effecting a delayed passage of balls through the trough, an elongated contact device extending longitudinally of the trough operated by the ball during its passage through the trough, the contact device being positioned to be actuated by a ball during a substantial period of time in the travel of the ball through the trough, and an indicator to which said contact device is electrically connected.

ROBERT J. STUTZENBURG. 

